Gut Reaction: Week 16 - Broncos vs Browns

Because I heard him on the roof, dropping gifts down your orange-and-blue chimney.

The first gift? A ten-game winning streak.

The second? A quarterback more accurate than Santa's naughty/nice list.

The third?

Well, that came from Santa's little helpers, the Minnesota Vikings. Because of their win, the Broncos just might get the #1 seed.

The Positives

1. When the Broncos came out with quads to the right on their first drive and Demaryius Thomas wide to the left, the only thing I was thinking was, Cleveland, you are screwed without safety help. A few secondslater, DT had a touchdown. Another drive later, if you needed proof of Thomas's improvement in route running, you got it. Thomas came back to a ball on the sideline that could only have been caught by a receiver who's been working the route tree like Jerry Rice.

2. Von Miller is now the owner of the the Broncos' single-season sack record. There's really nothing bad I can say about the guy other than he probably returns texts he gets from Tebow. But we'll chalk that up to being nice. It's almost Christmas, after all.

3. As proof that Knowshon Moreno ran downhill, I offer up the sound of pads popping on virtually all of his first-quarter runs. Of course, there are the numbers, too--127 yards on 27 touches--his fourth time in five games with at least 111 yards from scrimmage.

4. On the trap play, Joel Dreessen makes one hell of a pulling guard if you ask me; but it's his fingertip catches that will make him a threat in next year's Madden video game.

5. Please forgive me, Orlando Franklin. I was wrong about you. I didn't think you had the quickness to keep pass rushers off the edge. At this point, it's not about Peyton Manning's quick release (okay, maybe a little), it's about you, boss. And, like clockwork, as I wrote this, Franklin gets called for a penalty.

6. I never give Zane Beadles enough credit. It's hard to judge the offensive line without rewatching the game and specifically looking at the blocking schemes (unless it's Manny Ramirez), but I made a point of watching Beadles today during several series. Zane got to the second level (meaning linebackers) on several occasions, and Beadles versus any linebacker favors the Broncos any day of the week. Of course, as I wrote this, Beadles was called for a penalty and almost gave up a sack. Oh well, I'm keeping him here because I've ignored him so many times earlier in the year. And he did do a good job in the running game.

7. Part of the reason the offensive line is more effective, aside from Manning's quick release, is the constant 113 personnel package. It simplifies the defensive looks because the defense is only going to have so many looks against one specific personnel package. As Beadles said earlier in the week, simple is effective because it makes adjustments easier.

8. How scary is this? Peyton Manning is absolutely adament that he's not completely rehabbed. Before the game, he told KOA's Dave Logan that it would be a lie if he said he was even close to 100%. Said Manning (and I'm probably paraphrasing): "As soon as I'm 100%, I promise you, I'll let everyone know. But I would be lying to everyone if I told you that I was."

9. Why aren't Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas mentioned in the same breath with Julio Jones and Roddy White? Who knows. I suppose because Decker is white, he gets labeled as a possession receiver as a result. Just when you think Decker is about to go mental (dropped pass, lining up off the line of scrimmage), he goes and makes a tough catch for a touchdown.

10. Rahim Moore gets an "A" for making an incomplete pass look like an interception, but he gets an "A+" for the return.

11. Ronnie Hillman continues to improve. He can grow on you--especially if he adds another ten pounds. Remember, Trent Richardson is 5-9 and 230 lbs. Hillman is 5-10 and 190 lbs. In other words, there's room to grow. Can he be an every-down back? I'm beginning to warm to the idea.

12. The Browns struggled to account for the Denver tight ends during the game on crossing routes. Something tells me that's a feature of the Broncos offense we'll be seeing again.

13. Peyton Manning has eight games of three touchowns or more this season. He's also tied with Jay Cutler among Broncos QBs for most games of 300 yards or more in a season, with eight. How many more games is that than Tim Tebow? I'll let you figure it out, after you claim I'm being mean. By the way, I find it sort of cool that Peyton Manning is pissed off when the Broncos settle for a field goal up by three scores.

14. Jack Del Rio is an amazing defensive coordinator, obviously, but one of the things that makes him so good is that he trusts his players. As Eddie McCaffrey noted during the game, Del Rio allows his players to choose which gap they are going to blitz in certain looks, effectively allowing the Broncos to adjust on the fly. That takes veterans, and it takes smart players. The Broncos defense is just scary on third downs, on which the Browns were just 3 for 12.

The Negatives

1. Cleveland rookie right tackle Mitchell Schwartz has had a decent first season. He certainly held his own against Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil today. The only three times I saw him beaten in any significant way were by Derek Wolfe, who knocked him on his ass, Miller, who gave him a taste of velocity in the third quarter, and Dumervil, who got past him during garbage time.

2. We'll blame the wind for Matt Prater's first kickoff. We don't think he actually intended to let Josh Cribbs catch the ball in the field of play.

3. The Browns' first drive, for what it's worth, was very effective, with a combination of powerful runs between the tackles and some misdirection which caught Von Miller by surprise. Luckily, like bad teams always do, the Browns settled for a field goal while the Broncos got seven.

4. How confident were the Broncos they were going to win today? Confident enough they activated Tracy Porter over Tony Carter. According to Jeff Legwold speaking before the game, the Broncos wanted to see what they have with Porter going into the playoffs. Porter promptly got concussed on the first drive of the game and never returned. That's some seriously bad luck. So the Broncos went into the game looking to find out about Porter--instead they got more tape on Omar Bolden, who played decent from the few series in which I watched him playing man coverage.

5. Dan Fouts and Ian Eagle--you know it's Cleveland coming to town when they send in the junior varsity. Forgive Fouts's bias (as a former Chargers quarterback) when he tried to say that Brandon Stokley took a shot at the defender on the pick call. From the replay it was clear Stokley was actually shoved. After this, I turned down the volume and listened to the radio. I was told Fouts stood up for Champ Bailey on the phantom personal-foul call, but it was already too late for me.

6. If you didn't know, the Broncos actually take Trindon Holliday out of the game in order to make sure the ball gets handled correctly inside the ten-yard line. So much for that. In Jim Leonhard's defense, though, it did appear quite windy out on the field.

7. Manny Ramirez, if you're gonna combo block, make sure you execute the first part of the combo before you try for the second.

8. We've got no rationale why the Broncos took a delay-of-game call near the end of the half. If that's on Manning, we'd be shocked. One thing's for sure, though. Knowshon Moreno was supposed to run an out on Manning's subsequent interception.

9. Trent Richardson packs a load, as we mentioned. He also ran through numerous arm tackles from the Broncos front seven. It's one of the reasons Chris Harris led the team in tackles. Odd fact: Richardson also leads the Browns in receptions.

10. Jeff Legwold expressed serious concern about Chris Kuper's injury--particularly the scar tissue that seems to be a lingering problem which won't get resolved until the offseason. "They're not resting him for the playoffs," said Legwold. "If they were, he'd at least be practicing a little."

11. When Josh Cribbs touches the ball, I still hold my breath. When Tridon Holliday touches it, I--sometimes--lose my lunch. Holliday has fumbled the ball now six times and has only lost the ball once. Randomness has smiled upon the Broncos during their ten-game streak. Of course, as I wrote this, Josh Cribbs fumbled, and I grabbed another sandwich. It was a great job, by the way, by Omar Bolden to hold Cribbs back so Lance Ball would have a chance to get the ball.

12. I reserve--as they say--the right to contradict myself. Last week, I criticized the Broncos for not going for the throat. This week, I would have liked to have seen Brock Osweiler earlier. That's right, I'm never happy.

13. Lost in the big win? The Broncos took way too many penalties (11).

The Who The Heck Knows

1. Was it just me, or did the pocket resemble a shark tank when Colt McCoy entered the game?

2. Brandon Weeden would probably have been the Broncos' starting quarterback had Peyton Manning not chosen the Broncos. Now that's some Christmas fruitcake, y'all. I'd almost rather have Tebow--no, not really. Weeden's arm, as you saw today, is a serious rocket. If he is allowed to sit in the pocket, he delivers a payload.

3. Congrats to Elway's real QB target last year, Andrew Luck, for breaking the rookie passing record today. Had the Ultimate Teammate™ not given Elway facial constipation last year and not willed the Broncos to a six-game-winning streak, you can bet the Broncos would have been in the running for Luck.

4. Christian Ponder looked like a professional quarterback today and did the Broncos a solid by beating the Houston Texans. What surprised me most, however, was how much more physical the Vikings were on defense than the Texans were on offense. Chris Myers, who called the game for FOX, obviously needed some sleep--either that or he'd been in too many production meetings throughout the week. During the broadcast, he called Adrian Peterson "Andre." I can't confirm whether on the next series, he called Andre Johnson "Adrian."

6. Merry Xmas, Tebow Zombies. Shahid (Chaka) Khan believes in The Ultimate Teammate™--at least from a marketing perspective. Remember, though, Khan is Muslim. It will come in handy for you when you're looking for someone to blame this time next year and Jacksonville still can't sell out.

7. Speaking of Tebow Zombies, I watched Miracle on 34th Street the other night and heard this line: "Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to. Don't you see? It's not just Kris that's on trial, it's everything he stands for. It's kindness and joy and love and all the other intangibles." Personally, I don't need faith. The perfectly-formed breasts of cheerleaders are proof enough of God's existence for me. I like teleological arguments that involve not watches, but pom-poms.

8. I've been asked privately by many readers why I ever liked Tebow in the first place. Let me just say that's how much respect I have for our own Ted Bartlett. I put aside everything I read, heard, and saw--at least long enough to enjoy the ride. I don't blame Ted too much, though. He thought--and I still believe--Tebow could win a few games out of the spread option. But who's got the guts to come to the NFL and run that as their system with a guy who the Jets just said isn't athletic? Of course, this is after the Jets forced Tebow to gain more pounds than Kirstie Alley so he could pretect punts for a living.

10. The Cleveland Browns were 3-0 against the AFC West before the game. That fact wasn't particularly useful--about as useful as the Oakland Raiders Remedial Reading Program.

11. I just realized I forgot to praise Justin Bannan and Mitch Unrein--both guys were great against the screen.

12. What sort of team can beat the Broncos at this point? I still think a team with multiple tight ends who can threaten the Broncos over the middle of the field can give the Broncos real trouble. Of course, the Broncos can threaten any team with their own tight ends now, so bring it on.

TJ presents his instant analysis of the Broncos' 37-6 victory over the visiting Oakland Raiders

What the fuck is wrong with you? Tebow is GONE. Why are you still talking about him? We have PFM now.

Are you so small that you can't enjoy this year's success without sneering about a former player who by all accounts gave 100% to the Broncos? OK, so he's not great. Or even good. But he did play a partial role in Denver's success last year. Why can't you be man enough to be grateful for at least that much, and wish the guy well in the future?

Other than your obsession with Tebow, your blog doesn't totally suck. When you get your head in the game and start focusing on the current Broncos and the future Broncos, it might be worth reading occasionally.

Posted by tjisadouche on 2012-12-25 07:07:31

Mule, should I read that you intend to test my resolve? If anyone can pull my off the wagon, you have as good of chance as any. You are a Master Baiter.

Posted by A R on 2012-12-24 13:53:22

A R's New Year's Resolution will be broken before midnight on 1/1/13.

Posted by Yahmule on 2012-12-24 12:26:49

Chuck Pagano also returns next week. They're going to compete hard for him. If you bet on every boxer who ever lost a loved one before a fight, you would win way more than you lose.

Without him in there they have been torched by Brady and now Wilson. BTW where did Aldon Smith disappear to? Seems he can be negated pretty easily when Justin Smith isn't there to tie up 2-3 members of the OL.

Posted by Steven Searls on 2012-12-24 11:35:38

Doc, small correction: 34-12. Let's give Prater his due for making an over 40 yard FG late.

Posted by Steven Searls on 2012-12-24 11:31:46

PMFM sure cures a lot of ills. And not just his play, but his attitude, his practice habits, the experience our defense gets from having to go against him every week in preparation for games, etc. It shows what great leadership can do. To a large extent this is much the same team personnel wise as last year, so while we can't say Manning is entirely responsible (kudos to Jack Del Rio who imo is the best DC we've had since Joe Collier and fantastic years by Von, Doom, Bailey and Woodyard to name but a few on defense), the sea change he has made on this team has been enormous. I feel there is a greater sense of accountability from everyone on the team compared to last year. Credit to Fox for mostly getting out of the way and letting Manning play his style of offense after the first few games when it seemed they were trying too hard to blend in Fox's traditional preference for a huddle up, pound and ground attack. It seems ever since the second half of the Chargers game everything began to click, both from a player standpoint but also a coaching standpoint. Right now, I wouldn't trade the Broncos' chances to go all the way for any other team in the playoffs.

Posted by Steven Searls on 2012-12-24 11:28:04

"...Personally, I don't need faith. The perfectly-formed breasts of cheerleaders are proof enough of God's existence for me. ..."

^This.

I thought Decker was shoved, saw the impending collision, and reacted by raising his arms to protect himself.

Can't say enough about the well-balanced game by this team. It's been a fantastic season.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-12-24 09:33:08

Happy to be on your Aways Read list, even if I so rarely have something worthwhile to add to discussion. Sometimes my smart resmarks and attempts at humor work, and sometimes Tebow's passes are completed.

My New Years Resolution is to stop arguing about Broncos Past. Yes dumping Cutler was a good thing. Yes the whole situation including the Matt Cassel trade rumors were created by Cutler and Bus Cook to force a trade. Yes fans wanted Ayres and Moreno to fail because they were drafted by McUnpopular. No the 2008 Broncos were not the #2 offense. And yes McBust left a better roster for Elway and Fox to start from than Shanahan left for him (credit Brian Xanders if you want). For those that believe different, well, I'm getting too old to spend any more time trying to correct your worldview.

Posted by A R on 2012-12-24 03:04:29

(Rostervisions) In Dove Valley halls when John Elway callsperform or be cast out(Rostervisions) When your cost is too highwithout you the team got byrestructure or be cast out

Posted by A R on 2012-12-24 02:42:37

Agreed, Ivan. Jax was smacking NE around quite a bit today -- they had a legit chance to win. Brady w looking seriously mistake prone. NE at Denver doesn't scare me as much as Denver at NE. The gimmick they used to beat Denver the first time won't work outside Foxboro, as Ted pointed out in his article.

Posted by DCJ1 on 2012-12-24 02:10:25

Thanks, TJ. You always do an outstanding job on this.

A couple of things about the Browns. They did not quit. They are a team going in the right direction. Better than their record. Hopefully - in the event of a possible change of HC and GM - that progress will not be scuttled. Were they in the West division - I would not hold those same sentiments.

This was a great win. I don't think that this team has peaked yet - and may not until sometime next season. I like the way their focus in on the game in front of them - nothing more. They are taking care of business. Our guys are playing at a high level - and if we are lucky enough to garner some assistance from the Colts next week - all games going thru Denver puts us in a pretty good position. How would Houston do playing in a Denver snowstorm? Or how would NE run their fast offense in a snowstorm?

It looks like we need a little help at a few positions after this year is over. OG behind Kuper needs help and MLB - as Doc mentioned. A couple of rookies in the league are playing very well: Kuechey at Carolina and Wagner at Seattle. 1st round pick and 2nd round pick. Both position upgrades may be doable in the draft next year - even if we are picking - hopefully - at 32 and 64.

When Hamilton broke down in 2007 - I think that it may have been a foreboding of what happened in 2009. The same may be true of Kuper - although he is a trooper and I would hate to see him sidelined.

Thank, big guy!

Posted by BlackKnigh on 2012-12-24 01:45:21

Bob We know how far things have come when we refer to a 31 -12 win as 'dominating no matter what the score may have suggested otherwise.' That's pretty dominating right there, and your right - the game itself was even more brutal than the score. That, in itself, is pretty amazing. ivanthenotsobad I still prefer not playing DJ purely on a cost/benefit basis. He is expensive - if they keep him next year, it's 6 million for a player without whom they started and maintained this win streak. He didn't have a stat today (and may have left the game injured - I don't honestly know. I saw him out there once and then was off replaying a couple of series that I was interested in) and for whatever reasons, the Broncos are a better team with WW in that role. I find that Woody is simply a better overall player and his tackling is more aggressive. Woodyard also seems to gets the team more fired up. Woody also has been more productive, with less missed tackles and better coverage numbers (re PFF). Miller has improved, Brooking has played well and Trevathan has been an excellent and promising rookie in the nickel. This has been a better group than DJ, Mays, Miller as a rookie and WW in the nickel role. I believe that a quality Mike would obtained in the offseason would make DJ redundant, particularly if Steven Johnson steps up.

Denver needed a veteran this year in case of injury. Next year, when DJ costs that full 6 mil, they can prepare for the injury question in more cost effective ways. Denver may keep him - I know that Fox likes him a lot. I just don't share that opinion. If a defensive leader is missing, I usually expect to notice that. In DJ's case, it was the opposite. At the cost he would require, I don't see him being the best way to go. I respect your opinion of course, but nothing I've seen has changed my own.

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-12-23 23:36:32

I'll be surprised if Indy doesn't try to beat Houston. Aside from being in the same division, they would want some momentum going into the playoffs, I'd think.Guess we'll see.

Posted by Alaskan on 2012-12-23 23:23:04

Seattle is making a statement tonight.Pete Carroll looks like the cat that ate the canary.He has got to be loving the pounding Harbaugh is getting.

Posted by Alaskan on 2012-12-23 23:20:55

One thought that occurred to me is that the difference between being seated #1 and #2 is that, as #1, we'd likely not face both Houston and NE (they''d likely face each other). Other than that, if we face NE it'd likely be in Denver, which is best. Houston IMO is beatable either home or away.That's, of course, assuming we beat KC. Can't see that as unlikely.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2012-12-23 22:53:42

ARActually, it sounds more flippant that I intended. I like this site and check it regularly, but unfortunately sporadically because of my situation.While the list began as a TASPS list, I still maintain it. It takes little time to create and maintain it. And most on it I've remembered and simply skip. For me, it's either that, or skipping all of the responses, which I'm reluctant to do. You should know that I have a parallel list of those I always read. You're on it as are Underdog, Bob, Ohiobronco, Bradley, and many more.I'll make exceptions to skipping the TASPS list if I notice that Doc, JT, or someone like you have responded to them.It helps me make choices in managing my time.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2012-12-23 22:46:45

SEA looking pretty tough, especially given the context of the 49ers win v. NE a few weeks ago.

If we feel like looking forward to the Super Bowl, I suppose.

Posted by Daniel McVicker on 2012-12-23 22:44:33

Nothing like going to SAF at Mile High and seeing the Broncos get a win... and do it in convincing fashion.

Sure, we can nitpick about the pick Peyton threw in the end zone and the Broncos not getting much pressure in the first half, but as I told my father, the Broncos always seem to turn it up on defense in the second half, once they make adjustments, and sure enough, Brandon Weeden was feeling the heat, then it was Colt McCoy's turn to get rattled. When the Browns had fourth and five, I told my father the Broncos should just send the house because McCoy was not throwing well and it was worth taking a chance.But it was another week of the Broncos dominating an opponent, no matter what the score may have suggested otherwise. Now we just need to wrap it up next week against the Chiefs and let the rest of the chips fall where they may.

Posted by Bob on 2012-12-23 22:42:36

Man, I've never been as big of a Colts fan as I am right now. At least for this coming week.

Interesting question is, with nothing on the line for the Colts, will they play their starters the whole game?

Posted by QDoc on 2012-12-23 22:31:40

Was the time saved by refering to the list greater than the time invested in maintaining the list?

Posted by A R on 2012-12-23 22:29:59

Really, JT? That's awesome! But, which god? I hope it's Venus or Freya. Isis or Istar would be okay too, the ancient near eastern love goddesses are pretty fine, too.

Posted by A R on 2012-12-23 22:27:02

Always appreciate your gut, TJ.Not much to add or alter or question.Like others, I'm beginning to feel that criticisms of both offense and defense is getting to be pretty nit-picky.For instance, I don't know the exact statistics, but it appeared that, on 3rd downs, the offense went about 80% or higher and the defense allowed 25% or less. That's a serious difference, and it feels like it's been going on for about 10 games.

One thought that was brought to mind by your admission of originally, under the influence of Ted, you thought the Tebow option-read offense had a chance in the NFL, was the number of other frequent opinions that now have few admitting they held them:1 Moreno was a bust and should be traded while still possible trade bait;2 DJ was done and should be cut loose;3 OL and/or DL were serious weaknesses;4 Excepting PM, Von, Champ and possibly Doom, the Broncos were seriously talent poor, especially at CB, S, OL, DL and LB.5 Passing on Doug Martin in the draft, especially with the lack of talent and depth at RB (with busts Moreno and Ball as worthless), and settling for Hillman showed seriously lack of ability on the part of the Front Office and specifically Elway.

6 (Still sometimes hear) Fox's conservatism is going to cost us a game sometime (maybe in the next ten or twenty games).

7 Not to mention all of the TASPS (Tebow Admiration Society Police Squad) who thought that "Tebow was obviously the answer because only an idiot would not recognize his potential." In a coupld of cases, some of the most brutal TASPS now pass themselves off as having always had doubts. (Unfortunately, I kept a list, so that I could skip their posts and save time and aggrevation.)

Anyway, the Broncos have become a team that is enjoyable to watch because they do most things pretty and have few lapses. Even at tense times, one seldom feels especially frustrated.

It just goes to show the danger in expressing firm opinions. It's probably a symton of my growing cynicism, but I find myself, when expressing an opinion, especially about the Broncos, regularly adding the phrase, "But I reserve my right to change my mind." Just seems prudent.

Posted by ivanthenotsobad on 2012-12-23 22:23:00

Just remember, A R, God loves you. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.

Crinoline, Doc? Seriously? Step away from the books....lol...

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-12-23 22:11:26

I personally don't believe in supernatural beings taking a role in day to day affairs of mortals. But silk panties nearly got a former roommate in trouble when his girlfriend spotted them under the kitchen table. His fib that the underwear came from one of my guests got him off the hook, at least that time.

Are there also minions of crinoline? It seems nasty to show a prejudice to other fabrics...

Posted by Doc Bear on 2012-12-23 21:17:26

"They" really must be out to get Tracy Porter. I'm still not sure if "They" are the Denver Broncos, or the Minions of Satin.

Posted by A R on 2012-12-23 21:04:02

Always enjoy the Gut.

Interesting stats from around the league today:

1. The Broncos had more yards than SD and NYJ put together. What a clunker that game must have been.

2. Baltimore killed the Giants. Outgained them 533 to 186. That makes last week's road win look even more impressive.

3. JAX actually outgained NE by almost 100 yards. Didn't see the game, but can't believe it was all garbage time. NE looks mortal when they go on the road. Like to Mile High.

4. Houston looked pretty feeble. Only had 187 yards of offense at home. Hope the Broncos get the #1 seed. But they shouldn't fear Houston wherever they play them.

Posted by Alaskan on 2012-12-23 20:44:49

They are certainly making it look easy at this point. Great win!

Posted by iamafreeman on 2012-12-23 20:42:38

Another good one. Its weird how casual these wins are starting to feel I guess that's the effect of a ten game streak. Lets hope they don't let down next week, because the colts could possibly hand us the 1 seed next sunday. Moreno really seems to fit this offense better than Mcgahee did. Knowshon is a complete player, and I think his ability to catch passes and pick blitzes really make him thrive in this offense. (yes I realize his poor route at the end of the half caused an interception)

Posted by andrew on 2012-12-23 20:23:08

Did it seem that the D was holding back on the pass rush early? It took them, what, 3+ quarters to break Weedy's collarbone?

That O seems to advance at their own will. 3rd and 12 is nothing.

Posted by John Tomasik on 2012-12-23 20:22:39

it was clear to me, that although stokely was pushed, he planted his feet and laid his shoulder into the receiver. go and watch the replays.when someone is pushed, he stumbles into the person in front of him. he doesnt aggressively dig his weight into the ground and then launch upward into the shoulder area of a guy not expecting it. that said. i thought it showed great toughness and i didnt mind it a bit, other than i hate to see guys get hurt.

Posted by Troy Fairclough on 2012-12-23 20:16:22

Love these, TJ.

So, we have played every AFC playoff team in the regular season except the Colts. So, either we go on a revenge tour vs. Houston and NE, or the Ravens and Bengals come on a revenge tour vs. us. We shall see if we are truly as dominant as we look. If the NFL i$ a$ rigged a$ I think it i$, we WILL play Indy. Peyton vs. Luck? That's the stuff of Goodell's wet dreams.

I still think we haven't beat anyone significant. Cincy isn't as good as they look, the Ravens were injured. The Bucs choked. We lost to the best teams at the time. However, we made a TON of mistakes in those losses, and we were in all those games at the end. PLUS, they were early in the season, before we had really had a chance to gel. I am not really scared of anyone except NE, but I think we will contain Riddley the next time we face them. The tight end thing, though.... hmmmm....

One last point: TJ, penalties are bad, but many of the penalties today were just wrong, bad calls. One was a make-up call.... but there were about 3 more that were just ridiculous.

Posted by HarvJNep2n on 2012-12-23 20:13:46

Nice writeup but aren't we spending a little too much time talking about another team's third-string QB?

Posted by Irony_Tag on 2012-12-23 20:08:07

Great post mate. Much appreciated. have a great X Mas.

Posted by boydy2669 on 2012-12-23 20:01:31

The Big Johnson wrote: "What sort of team can beat the Broncos at this point? I still think a team with multiple tight ends who can threaten the Broncos over the middle of the field can give the Broncos real trouble. Of course, the Broncos can threaten any team with their own tight ends now, so bring it on."Co-sign.

Posted by AlexXSmith on 2012-12-23 19:57:13

Oh and yeah Bannan's been under the radar a lot this year but he had another very positive game.

And re: Tebow, only thing I'll add is that the Ultimate Tebow reportedly asked out of the Wildcat formation today because he'd been passed over as starter. Ultimate Teammate!

Posted by underdog on 2012-12-23 19:54:41

(reposting from end of last thread)Man, I would've let Osweiler throw a pass, but maybe next week if the game's in hand again. It's exciting to even have the chance for top seed (even though I think Houston wins next week) and I find it's mostly nitpicky stuff I'm complaining about after each of these wins. Overall, Broncos continue to be strong on both sides of the ball. Good to see Prater actually make a 40+ yd FG too! Still things to work on, especially when the level of competition increases drastically in the playoffs, and once again it'd be nice to have Kuper back... But finding it hard to complain right now. Work on the things they need to work on vs the Chiefs at home next week and then hopefully have the first round off to get healthy.And hey, at least Broncos officially can say they beat two playoff teams this season (in addition to losing to 3 other good ones). :)